The Suffolk

In the outdoor lot behind the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center lies the secret and subdued beachy backyard bar The Suffolk (an extension of the indoor bar and lounge), featuring 5,000 lbs. of imported sand, a handful of dime-store folding beach chairs and strings of summery lights. It's a somewhat bizarre place—it actually shares real estate with a communal parking lot—but enough beers help bring out its best side. The booze list is beer and wine only (emphasis on sangria), with BBQ on the horizon and, supposedly, an outdoor shower in the works. A far cry from a pool, but hey.

Inside it's an eclectic mix of zebra-print ottomans, green pleather couches, flat screen TVs and the occasional blow-up beach ball—making for a vibe that's decidedly odd yet immediately likeable. Sort of like a scrappy beachside bungalow designed by an (imaginary) kooky aunt Lola. Who has a strong frattish streak.

See more: Lower East Side bars, Lower East Side restaurants, Beer garden bars, Neighborhood bars